News

Reduce your UV exposure – grant applications closing soon

Local schools, community groups and sporting clubs across the Ovens Valley electorate are encouraged to apply for funding from the 2019 Shade Grants Program that is now open.

Member Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said by establishing shaded areas within our school and communities we can seriously abate the negative impacts of UV radiation.

The program, which is offered annually, is split across two grant categories:

School Shade Grants Program

Community Shade Grants Program

Grants of up to $25,000 for shade development in schools and $50,000 for community groups and can include up to $700 for sun protection items (excluding GST).

Applicants may also request up to $700 for sun protection items only.

Mr McCurdy said that approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.

“We know that prolonged exposure at even low levels to ultra violet radiation from the sun is very dangerous to our health.

“We also know that shade used in combination with other sun protection measures provides the best protection.

“I am positive that all eligible schools, community organisations and sporting club across the Ovens Valley electorate could put additional shade structures and equipment to very good use, not just in the heat of our summers, but all year round.”

The School Shade Grants Program is will close on 18 September 2019 and the Community Shade Grant Program will close on 2 October 2019.